Simple parent-toddler interactions are sometimes my favorite things to watch. I get a little lax with things like bedtime when the parents are busy or if the kid is really tired so I appreciate when these moments do happen.


Erick and the kids took a trip to the dog park with Yogi. August decided to take it upon himself to lead her through this obstacle course.


August: Not too bad, Yogi, not too bad at all.


August: Looking a little lethargic here, ol' girl, let's pick up the pace.


August: Just jump up and stand there. That's it.


August: See! It's easy! You'll never use these skills again but you did it!


Arwen: These heckin' pigeons won't leave me alone, Daddy.


I'm not sure what advice Erick gave here but I'm assuming it didn't include terrorizing the pigeons.


Our girl obviously didn't listen. Flee, little pigeons, flee!


Even if he didn't have anyone else to play with, August made sure to get his money's worth on the jungle gym.


I agree, kid, clothes suck.


She is a bit of a sassy little thing, isn't she? I'm sure she is telling August that his art sucks.


Arwen: Blarfy, why do I have to do blocks and stuff when all I really want to do is take my clothes off and chase pigeons?


Family reading time will always have a place in this legacy. Also, the genetics in this game make me so happy.


August decided to hide from the world on the top bunk this time.


Yogi looks really sad. It's almost like she knew that something horrible was afoot at Helena's parents' house.


Tragically, Helena's mom died quite unexpectedly. She was alone at the time, and the rest of the family didn't find out until some hours later.


Though her kids could tell something was wrong, Helena tried to keep herself together.


Crying it out was a common affair in the following days.


Oh, toddlers, old enough to know something is wrong but too young to fully grasp it so instead they just keep themselves company and play with blocks.


Household duties, such as picking up trashing and mopping up puddles, fell by the wayside.


Oh, yeah, August decided to pick up the violin and, well, he wasn't all that great.


Not even his horrible attempt at making music could cheer Helena up.


Helena: Come on, woman, pull yourself together.


Erick, of course, stepped in to make sure Arwen was tucked in all cozy.



Is that... a smile? Furry companions are more than just pets, as Helena is being reminded of now.


Oh, Yogi, I miss you, you big cuddly protector.


I know what you're thinking, dog. You can't have her food.


Arwen: Something something big dragon!
Erick: Your mother's still telling that story, is she?


Erick was having a bit of a rough work out but he's got to stick with it in order to make it off the bench and in the game. I'm kind of mad at myself because I don't think I did the best I could with his and Helena's careers in this founder generation so I'm definitely looking to improve on that as I play on.


Even though she was still grieving, Helena decided to take the kids to the library.


August passed on using the computer and instead found himself engrossed in a pretty thick book.


Arwen, on the other hand, found herself engrossed in a nice nap. I feel ya, girl.





Erick: Okay, kid, we're going to go to bed and we're going to stay in bed and we're not going to come into Mommy and Daddy's room crying, okay?


Well, that was easy enough.


I'm not quite sure that Yogi is the best dancing partner for you, Erick, but continue on.


Success! I knew this little dude was a genius.


Aw, crap. Here comes that pesky monster again.


These people really gotta up their decoration game.


The first gnome has arrived! These little suckers are annoying! But kinda cute, I guess.


August tries his best to appease the gnomes. They seem to be doing okay with his peace offering.


Yogi thinks the things are absolutely hideous and can't bear to look at them. Dramatic much?


Umm... I don't think that gnome behind you is very happy, kid. Better not try to fix that problem yourself.


You'll be glad to know that Helena has somewhat returned to her old self and is continuing to knock out masterpieces.


Helena: I know my son is an idiot and shouldn't have given you that police car toy but, please, little guy, don't hurt my family.


This family really likes to gather in the bathroom. Cool, I guess? You do you.


Little missy, get your hand out of that toilet, right now! Just because you're cute doesn't mean you can go around being nasty.


Aw, look at these angelic little weirdos. Thanks for the seeds! What a great gift! We'll be seeing you next year!


Naturally, Helena's dad came around for the Harvestfest celebration. It's just not the same without Lynn, though.


Heh heh. What's this? The gnomes are back? Okay.


Something obviously has August upset. I cannot confirm or deny if it was those assholes with the seed packets.


Let the poor kids potty in peace! Ya heathens!


Like mother, like daughter.


I mean, if you want to eat your grand meal in the kids' room, that's fine with me.


I adore this picture and interaction. This family just makes me so happy.


Can you imagine a day when these two are no longer able to hug? I can. It's really sad. It's almost like it just happened to me and you guys will be spared that pain for a long time still. Good for you.


Homework on a holiday? That's my boy!


Wow, we really don't take a day off just to celebrate and be together, eh?


Halloween is over but August is intent on making this spooky monster craft. I fully support him.


Seeds for the seed queen! So many seeds, I don't know what to do with them.


After grief and a holiday that had one special person missing, Helena needed to be on her own and do something to clear her mind. Baking a birthday cake for her kiddos fit the bill.


August is absolutely stoked to be entering his teen years...


...but he aged up into a fedora so I'm not immediately impressed.


Little Arwen is up to the cake and she needs a little help from Mom to get all the candles out.


Helena: Again with the sparkling children? This is fine.


With two older kids and growing lifestyles, the family decided it was time for a change. Helena and August hope that Arwen will readjust and they're sure to bring along the memories of old companions.



August is, I can't lie, a little dopey. He's still great, though! Dem eyebrows!